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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
Where exactly was the altar upon which Avraham put Yitzchak? The place would become known to us only at the time of David, as the place where the Beit Hamikdash would stand. The connection between the location of the Beit Hamikdash and Avraham’s Mt. Moriah is reported only in the context of Shlomo’s construction efforts (Divrei Hayamim II, 3:1). Looking back, Avraham had indeed seen that this would be a mountain dedicated to interaction with Hashem (Bereishit 22:14).
The first Lech lecha was Avraham’s first test, and the second one was his tenth and last test. This process shows the trajectory of his life work, which we will express as follows. The goal of Avraham’s going to Eretz Yisrael was to reach the "top of the mountain" (Moriah) where he would be challenged by the greatest test so that his descendants would be able to see and be seen by Hashem in that place where Hashem’s presence dwells. His descendants would form a special nation, qualitatively closest to Hashem (see Shemot 33:16).
We will now see several similarities between the depiction of Akeidat Yitzchak and the choosing of that same spot to build the Beit Hamikdash. 1) In both events, the "hero" (Avraham and David) builds an altar and offers a burnt offering (see Bereishit 22: 9, 13; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:26). 2) Hashem decides where the altar is to be built. 3) An angel from the Heavens communicates with the leader (Bereishit 22:11; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:16). 4) It is stressed that both of them acted in the morning (Bereishit 22:3; Shmuel II, 24:11). 5) Both events are connected to a day #3 (Bereishit 22:4; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:12).
All of the connections point to the following lesson. In the times of David, a process was culminated that had begun in the period of the forefathers, when Avraham entered the Land and paved the way, through "the actions of the forefathers are a sign for the offspring." This path brought us the Nation of Israel and its establishment in Eretz Yisrael.
Avraham lived in the Land (Bereishit 23:4), and prepared the turf for the fulfilling of the beracha he received – "I shall make you a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (ibid. 12:2-3). The goal is that Am Yisrael will establish an independent state in Eretz Yisrael that will be a light for the nations of the world. This state shall have an army to protect its independence, and significant parts of its citizens will be like Avraham’s disciples – those who learn Torah and also fight with valor – as well as like the students of David, who were gentle in the study halls and as hard as a tree on the battlefield (see Moed Katan 16b about Adino Ha’etzni). Such students will merit to build the Beit Hamikdash, in which the prayers of Israel will be heard (see Melachim I, 8:32).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
